Tsubo Asmik Review

Dear Tsubo,

First of all, thank you for sending me these Asmik Mary Janes in chocolate brown suede to review. You are too good to me! I fell in love with these the moment they appeared on your site, since I could tell right away that they had that same quirky asymmetric strap detail as my beloved Acreas. And the covered wedge? Deeeelightful.

I am pleased to find that they have the same basic footbed as the Acreas making them - unsurprisingly - a true joy to wear. The strap has just enough give, but remains firmly in place. The wedge provides a hint of leg elongation, but is not so severe as to make walking a challenge. And the squishy, soft footbed is a triumph of footwear design, as I've mentioned to you before.


As I'm sure you can see, these Asmiks have made me very happy. My one complaint, though, dear Tsubo? The suede. Yes, I know, suede is big this year. And the style does look fabulous with a more textured finish. But for lifelong lazybones such as myself who are too slothful to deal with waterproofing treatments and, therefore, go to comical lengths to protect their suede shoes? The high maintenance material is a definite deterrent.


HOWEVER! I sincerely hope you will consider continuing this line after this season ... just whip up some Asmiks in red leather and I'm all over 'em.

Love,
Sally

Karin Jacobson Leather Cuff Review

You may have guessed this by now, but just in case you haven't: I am a HUGE fan of jewelry designer Karin Jacobson's work. Her chunky pieces remain indescribably graceful despite their heft, and her more delicate work makes me downright glad to be a girl. She re-set my engagement ring, designed my crown ring, and has created about one-fourth of the jewelry I own. And that's saying something.

She's also gorgeous, hilarious, and teaches kickboxing. So do not piss her off.


Karin has worked in sterling and gems for years, but has recently been exploring laser cut materials, and her highly stylized, super funky design sensibilities translate beautifully to these less formal media. I loved her laser cut plastic pieces, but might be even more enamored of her new leather line:



This fantastic Wide Leather Bubble Bracelet ($49.50) is supple and soft, but holds its form beautifully. Karin warned me that it might shed some black bits onto my wrist for the first few wearings ... but after three straight days on my personage, I've seen nary a bit.

Yeah. It's love. I've got a major crush on this cuff. It comes in a light tan leather, too, which is available on her website ... and she's working on some more exotic colors, so stay tuned.

Karin and I will be doing several collaborations in the coming months - including a GIVEAWAY - so check back often!

Handbag Heaven Review and Giveaway

The fabulous folks over at Handbag Heaven asked me to take a gander at some of their adorable products and see what I thought. I'm more of a shoe gal than a handbag gal, but with all those fun and funky bags beckoning to me, how could I refuse?

Melie Bianco Front Pocket Tote

I have ogled many Melie Bianco bags in my time, but never ponied up for one. This adorable tote looked MUCH bluer on the site, and I have to say I was a little disappointed at its lilac hue ... but the description does say "purple," so it's my own fault for being inattentive. The vinyl has a cute crinkled finish, and the brass hardware is super high quality.

I also prefer a bag that can be slung over my shoulder in a pinch, and the handle drop on this tote is too short. But it does come with a longer strap that clips onto the hardware for just such an emergency.

Zebra Print Trimmed Wallet

I was also lucky enough to receive this cutie pie, a fantastically roomy wallet. Just check out that interior:

Even I don't have enough Petco/library/debit cards to fill that bad boy up.


The vinyl is textured to emulate pony hair which is a really cute touch. And since I am well known for spilling greasy crap all over my bags and wallets, I'm excited to use this little number worry-free. Everything I slob on it will wipe right off!

But let's talk about the good stuff now: THE CONTEST!

Handbag Heaven is letting me give away two lovely handbags from their site. How cool is that, I ask ya? Here are the deets:

1. Go to Handbag Heaven and pick out your favorite bag.

2. Come back to this post and leave a comment about it, with a valid e-mail address in the comment.

3. Do one of the following: Fan Handbag Heaven on Facebook, follow Handbag Heaven on Twitter, or sign up for their e-mail newsletter (top of the page).

This contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

Do all of that no later than midnight CST on Sunday, November 22. I'll draw a winner at random later in the week.

Good luck, kittens!

Dreamin' of Beadin' Winner

And our lucky winner is ...


Laura! Congrats my dear, and thanks to everyone who entered.

Another contest coming right up tomorrow ...

Dreamin' of Beadin' Giveaway

The truly lovely Stacy, proprietor of Dreamin' of Beadin', has been a sponsor of Already Pretty for some time now, and I just adore her ... and her gorgeous jewelry designs! Just take a gander:

Geneva Bracelet, $24.50

Suttons Bay Necklace, $42

Tea Time Earrings, $16

And that's just a peek at the billion items in her shop I'd be delighted to own. Now that I've got you drooling, how about a little contest action? If you leave a comment on this post saying which item from Dreamin' of Beadin' you'd love to have, you'll be entered to win a $15 e-gift certificate to the shop! This contest is open to everyone, international readers included.

Leave your comment by midnight CST on Sunday, November 15, and I'll draw a winner at random the following week!

Vintage Threadz Winner

And our lucky winner is ...
Lauren! I'll be in touch, my dear.

Stay tuned for more giveaways very soon!

Tsubo Pina Short Boot Review

Yes, I'm a lucky gal. Tsubo also sent me a pair of these Pina boots to review. I'd been admiring these for several months, but wondered how I'd wear them. Again, more of a heels kinda gal overall, and although the slouchy detailing is undeniably cute, I still hesitated.


After having worn them a coupla times, I really do love them. As with ALL my Tsubos, these short boots are fantastically comfortable. These are all-day walking shoes, no question. They're crafted from soft black leather, with a darling pale blue lining. They definitely need to be worn with tights or leggings ... or, come spring, with bare legs. With my straightlegs tucked in, I give myself artificial cankles and with long pants worn over them, the slouchy detail is masked. So these will have limited application for me. But when I showed them to Husband Mike he commented that he thought they filled a hole in my shoe wardrobe - and I have to agree.


Would you wear a pair of Tsubo Pinas? If so, what would you pair with them?